Language

Google Translate Disclaimer

A number of pages on the Government of Saskatchewan's website have been professionally translated in French. These translations are identified by a yellow box in the right or left rail that resembles the link below. The home page for French-language content on this site can be found at:

Renseignements en Français

Where an official translation is not available, Google™ Translate can be used. Google™ Translate is a free online language translation service that can translate text and web pages into different languages. Translations are made available to increase access to Government of Saskatchewan content for populations whose first language is not English.

Software-based translations do not approach the fluency of a native speaker or possess the skill of a professional translator. The translation should not be considered exact, and may include incorrect or offensive language. The Government of Saskatchewan does not warrant the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of any information translated by this system. Some files or items cannot be translated, including graphs, photos and other file formats such as portable document formats (PDFs).

Any person or entities that rely on information obtained from the system does so at his or her own risk. Government of Saskatchewan is not responsible for any damage or issues that may possibly result from using translated website content. If you have any questions about Google™ Translate, please visit: Google™ Translate FAQs.

JOB GROWTH OUTSIDE OF AG.

Released on May 10, 2002

Continuing challenges on the agriculture front had their impact in April on

an otherwise strong economy, according to job figures released today.



Statistics Canada figures show an increase of 6,300 jobs (seasonally

unadjusted) over April of the previous year in sectors outside of

agriculture. The drop in agricultural employment resulted in a small

decline of 1,100 in overall employment from the figure for April, 2001.



There were 464,300 people working in the province last month, according to

StatsCan figures.



"Today's job numbers underscore some of our key challenges in agriculture,

which result from a severe drought, late spring and the overall drop in

commodity prices, " Industry and Resources Minister Eldon Lautermilch

said. "We're working with other governments to address agriculture's

challenges, and we have reason for optimism in how other sectors of our

economy are performing."



Job numbers increased in construction, services, retail and wholesale

trade, finance, real estate and public administration. Other indicators

also showed increases, with retail and department store sales, new motor

vehicle sales, urban housing starts and new business incorporations all up.



Lautermilch also noted Moody's upgraded the province's credit rating this

week to the third highest in the nation, indicating confidence in the

fundamental strength of the Saskatchewan economy. The Globe and Mail says

Saskatchewan will have the third highest GDP per capita in Canada this year.



Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 6.6 per

cent in April (seasonally unadjusted), unchanged from last year, and well

below the national rate of 8 per cent. Regina had the second lowest

unemployment rate at 5.8 per cent among major Canadian cities.



"Our job numbers will continue to fluctuate from month to month, and right

now those numbers are showing the impacts of a changing and challenged

agriculture sector," Lautermilch said. "Our economy is still moving

forward, though, through diversification into more and more value-added

industries. That diversification, combined with our program of investments

in key infrastructure, sustainable tax cuts and sound fiscal management,

will help us seize new opportunities and create more jobs for Saskatchewan

people."



-30-



For more information, contact:



Bob Ellis

Industry and Resources

Regina

Phone (306) 787-1691

We need your feedback to improve saskatchewan.ca. Help us improve